Arsenal, Chelsea-linked Ivan Toney 'tells Brentford he wants January exit'

The forward has not played competitive football since May after being handed an eight-month ban for breaching the Football Association's betting regulations.

With his suspension set to end in the middle of January, Toney is expected to attract significant interest in the winter transfer window.

Arsenal and Chelsea have seemingly emerged as the frontrunners to secure his signature, with both clubs keen to strengthen in the final third.

A recent report also claimed that the two London clubs could be rivalled by Manchester United, who have included Toney on a three-man shortlist.

With a number of clubs expected to pursue a deal, the Bees have allegedly set a £100m price tag for the England international.

While Brentford's valuation could risk putting off potential suitors, 90min are reporting that Toney is willing to push for a January departure.

The report claims that the 27-year-old is surprised by Brentford's considerable financial demands, and he is now ready to convince his current employers to let him leave in the winter transfer window.

With less than two years remaining on Toney's current deal, the Bees could be forced to drop their asking price next summer if they decide against selling him in January.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the forward's future, Thomas Frank has played down the suggestion that Toney is ready to push for a move.

The Brentford boss insisted that Toney is «happy to stay» at the West London club, although he did concede that the «future is impossible to guess».

Toney finished as the third-highest scorer in the Premier League last season after netting 20 goals in 33